A Year in Wine Tastings

Sip your way through the year ahead

A Year in Wine Tastings
Young Kwak
Leah Griffith pours a flight at Nodland Cellars.

Wine Extravaganza

Mark your calendar for Wine Extravaganza in Coeur d'Alene next April, featuring more than five dozen wines from 20 regional wineries in the casual setting of the Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops ($15/six tastings). Make it a weekend: Add a lake cruise, brunch or overnight stay package.

WHERE & WHEN: April 2018; Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

MORE INFO: Visit cdadowntown.com/wine-extravaganza.

Spring Barrel Tasting

Shake off winter's chill with a self-guided tour through Spokane's Cork District and celebrate both Spring Barrel Tastings and Mother's Day at the same time. Explore what's new or revisit old favorites, stopping along the way to have a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping in downtown Spokane.

WHERE & WHEN: May 12-13, 2018; See website for locations

MORE INFO: Visit CorkDistrict.com.

WineFest

The view from top of the mountain is worth the trip to Schweitzer, where the 4th annual WineFest will take place in July 2018. Try local wines, peruse the arts and crafts tents, have a bite to eat and listen to live music while enjoying the best summer the Inland Northwest has to offer.

WHERE & WHEN: July 21-22, 2018; Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint, Idaho

MORE INFO: Visit Schweitzer.com for ticketing information.

Vintage Spokane

More than 60 wineries make Vintage Spokane a must-do for anyone serious about trying Northwest wines. Proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit is icing on the cake at this casual event, which promises outstanding wine and food in a gorgeous downtown setting — past venues include the Davenport Grand Hotel.

WHERE & WHEN: July 2018; location pending

MORE INFO: For specific dates, location and ticketing information, visit vintagespokane.com.

Walla Walla

John Allen of Vino! A Wine Shop recommends a "free-wheeling tour of Walla Walla" which boasts more than 100 wineries within an easy three-hour drive from Spokane. Scheduled seasonal events include fall release (Nov. 3-5, 2017), holiday barrel tasting (Dec. 1-3, 2017) and spring release (May 2018).

MORE INFO: Visit wallawallawine.com for details.

Pangaea River Wine Tours

For a little outdoor adventure with your wine, Pangaea's River Wine Tours (prices start at $95) pair Spokane-area wines with a scenic float trip on either the Spokane River (April-August) or the Clark Fork River in Montana (July-September). Enjoy complimentary snacks, a range of red or white wine based on guest preference, homemade sangria and a relaxing tour with a knowledgeable river guide.

MORE INFO: Visit montanarriverrafting.com.

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Carrie Scozzaro

Carrie Scozzaro spent nearly half of her career serving public education in various roles, and the other half in creative work: visual art, marketing communications, graphic design, and freelance writing, including for publications throughout Idaho, Washington, and Montana.